The basis of optimism is sheer terror. We think that we are generous because we credit our neighbour with the possession of those virtues that are likely to be a benefit to us. We praise the banker that we may overdraw our account, and find good qualities in the highwayman in the hope that he may spare our pockets.
("The Picture of Dorian Gray")
More Quotes from Oscar Wilde:
No work of art ever puts forward views. Views belong to people who are not artists.Oscar Wilde
I can believe anything, provided it is quite incredible.
Oscar Wilde
Lord Darlington (LD) I think life too complex a thing to be settled by these hard and fast rules. Lady Windemere (LW) If we had hard-and-fast rules' we would find life much simpler. LD You allow of no exceptions LW None LD Ah, what a fascinating Puritan you are, LW. LW The adjective was unnecessary, LD.
Oscar Wilde
It was not intended as a compliment. It was a confession. Now that I have made it, something seems to have gone out of me. Perhaps one should never put one's worship into words.
Oscar Wilde
Now produce your explanation and pray make it improbable.
Oscar Wilde
He to whom the present is the only thing that is present, knows nothing of the age in which he lives.
Oscar Wilde
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Hope Quotes, Optimism Quotes, Possession QuotesBased on Keywords: highwayman, overdraw
If God had intended us to fly he would have given us railways.
Michael Flanders
The man who is intent on making the most of his opportunities is too busy to bother about luck.
B. C. Forbes
Be it $15 million here and $11 million there, it takes hundreds of millions to be successful in this business.
David Neeleman